Teaching & Learning
As we have reached the end of Semester 1 and commenced the new semester, it is an opportunity to reflect on what has been an incredibly productive and rewarding Term 2 at the College. Led by our Teaching & Learning team, with all teaching staff, there has been extensive work undertaken to review, map and refine our Years 7–10 curriculum. Staff have worked together to strengthen learning programs and improve consistency across year levels and subjects. It is a big task, but we are committed to engaging, relevant and stimulating learning, and no better way of achieving this than teachers collaborating, planning and sharing their expertise and ideas.
A key focus throughout term two has been ensuring that every student knows what they are learning, why they are learning it, and what success looks like. I have had the privilege of spending time in so many classrooms where I have witnessed highly engaging lessons, strong student participation and quality learning experiences. It is so evident that in our classrooms, learning is clear and visible for students, as is what success looks like.
We also had some fantastic examples of learning outside of the tradition classroom setting. UnAssembly was an innovative two-day civics education program for our Year 9 students that encouraged them to become active, capable and responsible citizens by engaging directly with democratic processes. Our students worked with our local and state political representatives to explore how democracy functions by effectively taking the system apart and reimagining how it could work in the future. Thank you to Castlemaine Community House, Folio Collective and Really Local, as well as the Speaker of the Victoria Legislative Assembly Maree Edwards, Mt Alexander Shire Mayor Toby Heydon for their support of the program.
Looking ahead to Term 3, our curriculum development work will continue as staff begin planning our 2027 units and lesson sequences. This important work will coincide with the 2027 course and subject selection process, ensuring that our future programs continue to meet the needs, interests and aspirations of our students. Choosing future pathways and subjects is an important decision, and as in previous years, students will be well supported throughout the process. Information sessions, individual counselling, careers guidance and expert VCE advice will be available to help students and families make informed decisions about future study options and pathways. Students and families are encouraged to read through our Course Website for information about VCE, VCE-VM and VET pathways. Further information can be found in the Careers & Pathways section of our newsletter.
We thank our students, families and staff for their continued commitment and support throughout the semester. We wish everyone a safe and restful holiday break and look forward to returning refreshed and renewed for another exciting semester of learning, growth and opportunity in Term 3.
Nick Cowan, Assistant Principal (Teaching & Learning)
Curriculum & Assessment
We all want young people to enjoy the academic aspects of school, compelled by what educational neuroscientist, Dr Gregory Donoghue, calls the “skill, will and thrill” of learning. We know that schools are unique and complex environments, and we know they don’t necessarily replicate the real world but there are such opportunities for every student in the classroom even within these constraints.
A public education is for the public good so, as we move through this year, teachers behind the scenes will focus on which skills and content are assessed: which parts of the curriculum require surface engagement, which need deep engagement and which skills and knowledge will prepare them for a strong climate-, AI-, and emotionally-resilient future?
Teachers will refresh their knowledge of the basic neuroscience underpinning CSC’s excellent School Wide Instructional Model (SWIM) and work collaboratively to more closely align their classroom pedagogy with it, to meet students where they are, and to really draw them into the joy of learning.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me at anna.treasure@education.vic.gov.au
Anna Treasure, Leading Teacher: Curriculum & Assessment
Numeracy Starts at Home
Did you know that some of the best opportunities to build your child’s numeracy skills happen in everyday life? Whether they’re measuring ingredients while cooking, comparing prices at the supermarket, working out discounts, planning a family holiday budget, estimating travel times or reading graphs and statistics in the media, they’re using important mathematical skills. Involving your child in these tasks and encouraging them to explain their thinking helps them see that numeracy is much more than what happens in a maths classroom.
Research shows that students develop stronger mathematical understanding when they can connect learning to real-world experiences. Regular conversations about numbers, measurement, money and problem-solving help reinforce concepts and build confidence over time. In fact, studies on parental engagement have found that simple, positive interactions about learning at home can have a significant impact on student achievement. You don’t need to know advanced maths – your enthusiasm and willingness to involve your child in everyday activities can make all the difference.
So next time you’re baking, shopping, planning a trip or tackling a DIY project, invite your child to join in. Ask them to estimate, calculate, measure or compare. These small moments help develop critical thinking, problem-solving and confidence, giving young people the skills they need to succeed both in the classroom and in everyday life.
Sharon Rossiter, Learning Specialist: Numeracy